How to Install a Stove Damper

When you install a stove insert in your fireplace, you will need to construct a new damper to direct the smoke from the stove up the stovepipe inside the chimney. A typical fireplace has a damper that you open and close to let smoke up the chimney. This damper must be removed and replaced by a damper for the stove. You can construct a damper for your stove very simply with some sheet metal and aviator snips.

Safety goggles
Dust mask
Measuring tape
Piece of sheet metal
Aviator snips
Screwdriver
Heat-resistant silicone sealant
Caulking gun
Masonry nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the size of the opening for your chimney from inside the fireplace. Measure the circumference of the bottom of the stovepipe that will be connected to your stove.
- 2
  Cut the sheet metal with the aviator snips to the dimensions of the chimney opening from the bottom of the fireplace. Add 1 inch to each side of the sheet metal when determining where to cut.
- 3
  Poke a hole through the center of the sheet metal with a screwdriver and cut out a circle in the middle of the sheet metal the size of the circumference of the stovepipe opening.
- 4
  Slice each corner of the sheet metal to a depth of 1 inch.
- 5
  Fold the edges of the sheet metal up to make flanges on each side. You have essentially made a pan that you can fit over the stovepipe opening that will keep smoke from entering your room from the chimney.
- 6
  Lay a bead of silicone caulk along the folded edges of the pan. Put a bead of caulk around the outside of the stovepipe opening.
- 7
  Slip the pan up and into the opening of the chimney and over the opening of the stovepipe.
- 8
  Drive masonry nails through the flanges on the edges of the sheet metal into the chimney.

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